Raúl Burciaga, an assistant director of the Legislative Council Service, will step up to the job of director, the Legislative Council decided Wednesday.

Burciaga will replace Paula Tackett, who last month announced she is retiring in June after 22 years of heading the agency responsible for researching and drafting bills for the Legislature, operating a library and a website, and managing the state Capitol.

Burciaga, 54, has worked as an assistant director since 2004. A 2000 graduate of The University of New Mexico law school, Burciaga from 1985 to 1997 worked for Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico as a manager and supervisor.

Burciaga said he's looking forward to the challenges of the job.

"It really is daunting ... Now I understand when they say that Paula Tackett and Clay Buchanan are icons," he said. "So, I'll do my best." Buchanan preceded Tackett as director.

Burciaga, who grew up in El Paso, said he doesn't have big changes in mind for the service.

The job is seen as a key behind-the-scenes post for lawmakers who rely on the service to get bills drafted and for historical research, among other things. It's also seen by some as one of the toughest in the Roundhouse because it involves negotiating with both political parties, and with factions among the parties.

Burciaga will earn $125,000 a year.

The council service has nearly 100 employees, about 50 of whom work for Building Services at the Capitol. During legislative sessions, it employs another 50 people including bill drafters and analysts.

During the council's meeting Wednesday, an emotional Tackett thanked legislators and called the work "the most amazing career I could ever imagine." Several recalled stories about how Tackett helped them with specific bills or problems.

Tackett started with the council in 1982 and this year was honored by the New Mexico State Bar Association as the Public Lawyer of the Year.

For many lawmakers, she's the only council director they've known.

"You people are the ones who make us look smart and that's a tough job," Senate Minority Leader Stuart Ingle, R-Portales, told Tackett and other council staffers during the meeting.

Contact Kate Nash at 986-3036 or knash@sfnewmexican.com.